Shopping in Budapest

Here we provide a little basic information on shopping in Budapest, from malls to boutiques and shopping streets.

General information

PRESENT OPENING HOURS: Until 15th of March 2015 shopping centres are open seven days a week, other shops from 10 am until 6 pm during the week. On Saturday shops mostly close at 1 pm and remain close on Sundays, but some of them may have different opening hours. Malls are open from 10 am to 8 pm.

NEW SUNDAY SHOPPING RESTRICTIONS: After 15th of March2015 all shops (even in malls) will be closed on Sundays except of few exemption, like national tobacco shops, pharmacies, markets, fairs or shops with less than 200 sqm territory. It won't be possible to do night shopping any longer, because opening hours are restricted between 6 am and 10 pm.

VAT REFUNDS:Non-EU resident travellers may apply for a refund of up to 27% of the general sales tax (VAT) on goods purchased in Hungary, with the exception of works of art, collections and antiques, under the following conditions: the total value of the goods on one original invoice, including VAT, must exceed EUR 175. Not more than 90 days may elapse between the time of purchase and the time of export. The goods must be taken out of the country unused, in their original packaging.

PAYMENT: Feel free to use your credit or ATM cards. These are accepted by all major stores and ATM-s can be found all over downtown Budapest. Another safe method of payment is Travelers Cheques, which is also accepted by most of the hotels.

You are not supposed to take valuable antiques out of the country without a special permit, which must be available at the place of purchase.

Larger Malls in Budapest

In Pest:Árkád (1106 Budapest, Örs vezér tere 25, at Örs Vezér Tere, the eastern end station of Metro line 2)Westend City Center (1062 Budapest, Váci út 1-3, near to the Western Railway Station)Arena Plaza (1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 9, near to the Eastern Railway Station )Duna Plaza (1138 Budapest, Váci út 178. near to the stop of underground line - M3 (Blue) line 3)Pólus Center and Asia Center1152 Budapest, Szentmihályi út 131, Szentmihályi út 167-169 are very close to each other in the 15th district, they can reach by bus (route 7E)Allee (1117 Budapest, Október huszonharmadika utca 8-10, near to the stop of underground line - route 4)

Andrássy Bouvelard: International and local brands opened stores on this bouvelard on the stretch between Oktogon and Deák Square. The first Hungarian luxury warehouse operates on this promenade as well. Getting regained your energy again, there are plenty of options for having a delicious lunch or dinner in or simply enjoying a coffe and cream cake in the marvellous Lotz Coffee House located on the upper floor of Alexandra bookstore.

Falk Miksa street: the traditional home of Hungary's antiques trade is on this quiet leafy street in Pest. It is lined with small galleries and large auction houses.

Fashion street: leading from famous Váci street to Deák Square, this has become a home for international fashion brands.

Váci street: For many decades the name of Váci street has been synonymous with Hungarian shopping. This was the source of Hungarian souvenirs like red pepper or clothes with typical Hungarian motifs. Nowadays the types of shops there are thankfully a little different. Now we can buy everything from souvenirs and handmade products to products of international brands. At the southern end of the street is the well-known Great Market Hall which is the ideal point to start hunting for genuine local products.

Pozsonyi street is alive with with cafés, restaurants and unique boutiques under shady trees.

Trendy shopping

Hungary is already on the international world fashion map. It testifies to the skills of our the world-famous designers, and impact of the annually-held Central European Fashion Days. We can look for new items for our wardrobe from international stores to Hungarian designer shops and at design markets.

Markets

If you want to experience where the locals do their daily shopping for groceries, there are various options around central points of downtown Budapest. You can buy everything fromgroceries through diary products and bakery to buther's goods. These are also the best spots to try out the local streetfood like lángos, and sausages.